A touchdown as time expired. A two-point conversion for the win. A late pick-six to slam the door. The opening round of Nebraska’s high school football playoffs delivered Friday, from Papillion-La Vista South’s dramatic comeback to big performances by some of the state’s top players.
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Lincoln Southwest's Jacob Terwilliger (2) tries to tackle Bennington's Ty Bouaphakeo (12) during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday at Bennington High School.
A pass intended for Minden's Cole Schwenka (2) is intercepted by Lincoln Christian’s Brode Shanle during the second half of a Class C-1 first-round playoff game Friday at Lincoln Christian School.
Photos: Bennington football hosts Class A playoff game vs. Lincoln Southwest — Oct. 30
Bennington’s Ty Bouaphakeo (12) celebrates a touchdown with William Gutz (20) celebrates a touchdown with during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at Bennington High School. Bennington led Lincoln Southwest 35-17 going into the half.
Lincoln Southwest's Jase Coke (14) celebrates a touchdown during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at Bennington High School. Bennington led Lincoln Southwest 35-17 going into the half.
Lincoln Southwest's Christan Fitzgerald (11) receives a pass under defense by Bennington's Kaleb Tysor (13) during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at Bennington High School. Bennington led Lincoln Southwest 35-17 going into the half.
Lincoln Southwest's Alex Dawes (4) watches his tipped reception attempt fly toward Bennington's Kaleb Tysor (13) who would come back down with the ball after bouncing it back off of himself during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at Bennington High School. Bennington led Lincoln Southwest 35-17 going into the half.
Lincoln Southwest's Jacob Terwilliger (2) tries to tackle Bennington's Ty Bouaphakeo (12) during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday at Bennington High School.
Lincoln Southwest's Cole Sebek (16) carries the ball under defense by Bennington's Jamison Theis (24) during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at Bennington High School. Bennington led Lincoln Southwest 35-17 going into the half.
Bennington head coach Kam Lenhart reacts after a play during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at Bennington High School. Bennington led Lincoln Southwest 35-17 going into the half.
Bennington's Ty Bouaphakeo (12) passes during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at Bennington High School. Bennington led Lincoln Southwest 35-17 going into the half.
Lincoln Southwest's Jaydon Dock (18) and Landen Budler (74) tackle Bennington's Kaleb Tysor (13) carrying the ball after bouncing it back off of himself following a tipped reception attempt by Lincoln Southwest during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at Bennington High School. Bennington led Lincoln Southwest 35-17 going into the half.
Lincoln Southwest's Christan Fitzgerald (11) receives a touchdown pass under defense by Bennington's Kaleb Tysor (13) during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at Bennington High School. Bennington led Lincoln Southwest 35-17 going into the half.
Lincoln Southwest's Thatcher Shelton (9) bobbles the ball as he is pressured out of bounds by Bennington's Dominic Driggs (5) during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at Bennington High School. Bennington led Lincoln Southwest 35-17 going into the half.
Bennington's Demarcus Perkins (11) celebrates after the win during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at Bennington High School. Bennington beat Lincoln Southwest 42-17.
Lincoln Southwest head coach Grant Traynowicz shares a moment with Evan Adkins (57) after the loss during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at Bennington High School. Bennington beat Lincoln Southwest 42-17.
Lincoln Southwest head coach Grant Traynowicz looks on during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at Bennington High School. Bennington led Lincoln Southwest 35-17 going into the half.
Bennington's Brett Langan (51) shoves down Lincoln Southwest's Cole Sebek (16) with the ball during a Class A first-round playoff game Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at Bennington High School. Bennington beat Lincoln Southwest 42-17.
